The Non-Conformal Grid technique The Non-Conformal Grid technique In a conformal grid (i.e. body fitted grid), the overall mesh is derived from the nodes of the object’s geometry (i.e. the nodes of the mesh must match the nodes of the object). The initial Cartesian mesh must be modified and distorted at the object’s surface in order to impose such matching. This particular conformal grid generation technique (also called cut-cell method) is becoming very popular because it is automatic and very quick. Disadvantages: i) grid distortion is at maximum at the surface where flow gradients are at maximum; this fact determines high truncation errors and deteriorates the accuracy; ii) such technique would inflate the mesh to too expensive and impractical sizes when using realistic 3D models with plenty of small scale geometrical details (n.b. small scale details are normally cleaned beforehand, an activity which can be very much time consuming). In contrast, in a non-conformal grid, grid nodes and object’s nodes do not have to match. They are two independent sets of data, where the object is literally immersed into the Cartesian grid. The exact position, orientation and intersections of the object, with respect to the grid, are exactly determined at pre-processing. Cells at the surface remain intact, thus preserving the Cartesian accuracy everywhere. Moreover, small or sub-grid geometrical details are easily treated by Vento’s proprietary NCG technology, with no need to spend time in cleaning the 3D models. Basically, the use of Vento’s NCG technique maintains the same advantages (full automation and quickness) of the above conformal technique while eliminating the two important disadvantages (see Stadio Meazza showcase). In a conformal grid (i.e. body fitted grid), the overall mesh is derived from the nodes of the object’s geometry (i.e. the nodes of the mesh must match the nodes of the object). The initial Cartesian mesh must be modified and distorted at the object’s surface in order to impose such matching. This particular conformal grid generation technique (also called cut-cell method) is becoming very popular because it is automatic and very quick. Disadvantages: i) grid distortion is at maximum at the surface where flow gradients are at maximum; this fact determines high truncation errors and deteriorates the accuracy; ii) such technique would inflate the mesh to too expensive and impractical sizes when using realistic 3D models with plenty of small scale geometrical details (n.b. small scale details are normally cleaned beforehand, an activity which can be very much time consuming). In contrast, in a non-conformal grid, grid nodes and object’s nodes do not have to match. They are two independent sets of data, where the object is literally immersed into the Cartesian grid. The exact position, orientation and intersections of the object, with respect to the grid, are exactly determined at pre-processing. Cells at the surface remain intact, thus preserving the Cartesian accuracy everywhere. Moreover, small or sub-grid geometrical details are easily treated by Vento’s proprietary NCG technology, with no need to spend time in cleaning the 3D models. Basically, the use of Vento’s NCG technique maintains the same advantages (full automation and quickness) of the above conformal technique while eliminating the two important disadvantages (see Stadio Meazza showcase). conformal grid non-conformal grid conformal grid non-conformal grid The uniqueness of VENTO AEC lies in a proprietary “non-conformal grid” technology, ahead of state of the art described in the scientific literature. With Vento’s NCG technology, you can interact directly with the BIM environment and import extremely complex and realistic IFC models without the need to simplify them. Benefits? +95% of reduction in pre-processing time, leading to increased productivity for your teams – and customization of post-processing tailored to the specific requirements of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry.
The uniqueness of VENTO AEC lies in a proprietary “non-conformal grid” technology, ahead of state of the art described in the scientific literature. With Vento’s NCG technology, you can interact directly with the BIM environment and import extremely complex and realistic IFC models without the need to simplify them. Benefits? +95% of reduction in pre-processing time, leading to increased productivity for your teams – and customization of post-processing tailored to the specific requirements of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry.